All right we have a launch tomorrow! A Japanese photographer waiting for the rollout just tweeted that the TNSC VAB has just opened its doors.... (http://twitpic.com/byf9hp)

From various newspaper reports and even budget reports (via the omnipotent Wiki, Japanese version), here are some out open reports about the spysats:

- the radar satellite is of the same type launched in Dec. 2011 (IGS-R3), probably with a resolution of less than a meter. The cost of development and production of IGS-R3 was 39.8b yen (+ 10.3b yen launch costs), and apparently the cost IGS-R4 has been reduced by 15.4b yen.

- the optical satellite is a new generation demo satellite with a 2 year designed life. Back in 2009 Yomiuri Shimbun reported that this generation of satellites may reach a maximum of 40 cm resolution, putting it ahead of satellites like Geoeye-1 and perhaps only second to the current Keyholes....

From the photos is it now clear this vehicle is flying in the "202" configuration? Also is it possible this vehicle includes any of the enhancements planned for the H-IIA upgrade program (long coast, clampband payload attach, onboard nav for range safety)?

From various newspaper reports and even budget reports (via the omnipotent Wiki, Japanese version), here are some out open reports about the spysats:

- the radar satellite is of the same type launched in Dec. 2011 (IGS-R3), probably with a resolution of less than a meter. The cost of development and production of IGS-R3 was 39.8b yen (+ 10.3b yen launch costs), and apparently the cost IGS-R4 has been reduced by 15.4b yen.

- the optical satellite is a new generation demo satellite with a 2 year designed life. Back in 2009 Yomiuri Shimbun reported that this generation of satellites may reach a maximum of 40 cm resolution, putting it ahead of satellites like Geoeye-1 and perhaps only second to the current Keyholes....

Good stuff GP! Should be able to get an article written for this, even if it'll be a short one.

From various newspaper reports and even budget reports (via the omnipotent Wiki, Japanese version), here are some out open reports about the spysats:

- the radar satellite is of the same type launched in Dec. 2011 (IGS-R3), probably with a resolution of less than a meter. The cost of development and production of IGS-R3 was 39.8b yen (+ 10.3b yen launch costs), and apparently the cost IGS-R4 has been reduced by 15.4b yen.

- the optical satellite is a new generation demo satellite with a 2 year designed life. Back in 2009 Yomiuri Shimbun reported that this generation of satellites may reach a maximum of 40 cm resolution, putting it ahead of satellites like Geoeye-1 and perhaps only second to the current Keyholes....

Good stuff GP! Should be able to get an article written for this, even if it'll be a short one.

I received a reminder from ustream reminding for this launch. Webcast scheduled to officially start at 2130 hrs in U.S. CST Local Time. Bars are currently showing on the screen but is now briefly not live.

From various newspaper reports and even budget reports (via the omnipotent Wiki, Japanese version), here are some out open reports about the spysats:

- the radar satellite is of the same type launched in Dec. 2011 (IGS-R3), probably with a resolution of less than a meter. The cost of development and production of IGS-R3 was 39.8b yen (+ 10.3b yen launch costs), and apparently the cost IGS-R4 has been reduced by 15.4b yen.

- the optical satellite is a new generation demo satellite with a 2 year designed life. Back in 2009 Yomiuri Shimbun reported that this generation of satellites may reach a maximum of 40 cm resolution, putting it ahead of satellites like Geoeye-1 and perhaps only second to the current Keyholes....

Good stuff GP! Should be able to get an article written for this, even if it'll be a short one.

I received a reminder from ustream reminding for this launch. Webcast scheduled to officially start at 2130 hrs in U.S. CST Local Time. Bars are currently showing on the screen but is now briefly not live.